Known as "The Gateway to the West", St Louis is located on the confluence of the Mississippi River and the Missouri River. Enjoying a diverse multicultural population, St Louis is an inviting city that welcomes visitors with open arms, making it the perfect location for that much-needed holiday.

St Louis is known for its architecture, festivals, sports and historical sites. It is a centre for fun, adventure, and discovery and is the perfect destination for a couple's getaway or holiday for the whole family. There is so much to see and do here that the convenience of having a car will quickly become apparent. Hiring a car is the best way to go, and with 6 depot locations across the city, you will have no trouble finding from where you should pick up your rental car. The great thing about St Louis is that most of the family attractions are free and with free parking an added bonus, you are sure to have a memorable trip, all while keeping the prices as low as you want.

1. Forest Park

For Missouri's equivalent of New York's Central Park, look no further than Forest Park, which is located right in the heart of St Louis. With a larger area than Central Park, Forest Park is home to some of the city's most prominent attractions. The St Louis Art Museum is host to an impressive array of modern art and ancient artefacts, expanding your mind artistically, culturally and historically.

The park is also home to the St Louis Zoo and the Muny, which is more formally known as the Municipal Opera Association of St Louis. This outdoor musical amphitheatre provides hours of entertainment and is the perfect place to spend a pleasant afternoon.

2. The Gateway Arch

Undoubtedly the architectural highlight of the city, the Gateway Arch is positioned right on the riverfront, making it a popular tourist destination all year round. The arch is the tallest man-made monument in the nation, standing at 630 feet, and is the source of much fun and excitement. While visiting you can chose to take a tram ride to the top, see a documentary film, experience a giant screen movie, embark on river cruise or visit the Historic Old Courthouse. Whatever takes you fancy, you surely won't be disappointed.

3. Six Flags St Louis

For non-stop, over the top, high-speed thrills around every turn, you simply can't go past Six Flags at St Louis. The amusement park is home to heart-pounding rollercoasters and many family rides and attractions. Hurricane Harbour, a 12-acre waterpark, is one of the highlights of the park and keeps visitors coming back for more time after time. With a great variety of top notch entertainment on offer and non-stop fun for the entire family, Six Flags is guaranteed to be a fun day out for all.

4. World Bird Sanctuary

Exhibited in a convenient 305-acre park setting, the World Bird Sanctuary of St Louis is home to live eagles, owls, hawks and many more interesting bird species. Other attractions include hiking trails, bird watching, picnic areas and knowledgeable naturalists, which all combine to make this a unique environmental experience you won't soon forget.

5. Missouri Botanical Garden

Founded in 1859, this National Historic Landmark consists of 79-acres of scenic landscaped and elegant garden structures. Highlights of the gardens include the Climatron Tropical Rainforest, the Japanese gardens and Henry Shaw's Victorian home. The gardens feature special exhibits that showcase the distinctive seasons, making for a spectacular sight all year round.

6. Magic House

Magic House is a nationally acclaimed children's museum that offers more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits. The exhibits are designed to be fun, engaging and memorable, which means that they can be enjoyed by all ages. With free parking for your rental car and cheap admission prices, you really can't go wrong with a visit to Magic House.

7. Cahokia Mounds

The Cahokia Mounds are located in Collinsville, which is situated 15 minutes east of St Louis. Your rental car will come in really handy here and the drive out there is a pleasant on with lots of memorable scenes. The Cahokia Mounds is the site of the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico and is an interpretive centre of one of the greatest cities in the world. This historical experience is one to add to the list as it will broaden your horizons and deepen your understanding of the area's history.

The city of St Louis has so much to see and do that you will probably run out of time before you run out of options. Having a rental car will make your trip all that more enjoyable as it will give you the freedom to do what you want, when you want to do it. All you have to do is make sure you have a good time along the way.

Christine Barton